Urgent care and emergency rooms are experiencing an influx of patients seeking relief from symptoms related to COVID, flu, and RSV this winter. The surge in cases prompted Los Angeles County to reintroduce masking requirements for healthcare workers and visitors in healthcare settings, addressing the rising number of influenza-like illnesses. While some counties, such as Los Angeles and Orange, have implemented masking mandates, others, like Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, have not issued similar requirements for healthcare workers.
Influenza-like illnesses are currently classified as having “very high” activity levels in LA and Orange counties and “high” activity levels in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The impact is particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with conditions such as immunosuppression and diabetes. Barbara Cole, the director of disease control with RUH Public Health in Riverside County, recommends that individuals in high-risk groups consider wearing masks when entering healthcare facilities as an additional protective measure.
Despite the rise in respiratory illnesses, COVID hospitalizations in Southern California remain within the medium-to-low range, according to the CDC. Hospital admissions are currently below the peak levels observed last year. Dr. Rodney Borger, the chairman of emergency medicine at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, noted that while some patients are being held in emergency departments waiting for admission, the situation is being managed adequately at present.
In contrast to LA County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties have not enforced masking requirements but emphasize that they are following state guidance. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the health director of LA County, mentioned that despite the increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions, the county is witnessing fewer deaths than in the past, with an average of three to five deaths per day.
Health experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures such as handwashing, staying home when sick, and vaccinations for flu, COVID, and, in certain groups, RSV to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses. The situation underscores the need for a coordinated public health response to address the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory infections.